The Upper West Side of Manhattan is a cultural goldmine, and its presence in film and literature is as iconic as a New York bagel with schmear. This neighborhood, stretching from Central Park West to the Hudson River and from 59th to 110th Streets, has been immortalized in countless works.
Let's start with film. The Upper West Side is practically a character in its own right in Woody Allen's movies. In Annie Hall, the protagonist's neurotic charm is set against the backdrop of this neighborhood. Then there's You've Got Mail, where Meg Ryan's character runs the fictional "Shop Around the Corner," based on the real-life Books of Wonder bookstore. Fun fact: the movie was partly shot on 106th Street and Broadway!
Speaking of bookstores, the Upper West Side has been a literary hub for decades. Zabar's, the legendary gourmet market, has been mentioned in novels like The Nanny Diaries. In J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield's sister, Phoebe, attends an Upper West Side school, mirroring Salinger's own experiences.
The neighborhood's rich history is also a tapestry of hidden gems. The American Museum of Natural History on 79th Street has been the setting for films like Night at the Museum. Did you know the museum's iconic facade was also featured in How I Met Your Mother?
In literature, the Upper West Side is often romanticized. Nora Ephron's essays, notably in I Feel Bad About My Neck, capture the neighborhood's aging beauty and charm. Riverside Park, running along the Hudson River, has been a favorite setting for both writers and filmmakers, offering a picturesque escape from the urban bustle.
Even the architecture tells stories. The San Remo, a twin-towered apartment building on Central Park West, has housed a constellation of stars including Demi Moore and Steven Spielberg. The building's majestic presence has appeared in numerous films and novels, symbolizing the affluent allure of the Upper West Side.
The neighborhood's Jewish heritage is also significant. The Jewish Theological Seminary and the JCC Manhattan have been cultural beacons, influencing works ranging from Philip Roth's novels to Tony Kushner's plays.
From its grand pre-war buildings to its lively cultural scene, the Upper West Side continues to be a muse for storytellers, capturing the imagination of anyone who strolls its tree-lined streets.